TransVision 2010 Presentation by Robert Geraci

As transhumanism has gained cultural cachet over the past two decades, more attention has been paid to its role in the modern world. Some commentators have been inclined to label transhumanism as religious despite the frequently vigorous rejection of traditional religion and, indeed, the entire category of religion by transhumanists. Despite the very common objections among transhumanists themselves, transhumanism is a religious movement. This religiosity is apparent within transhuman movements, and is perfectly expressed in transhumanist interpretations of and expectations for digital technologies (robotics, artificial intelligence, virtual worlds). Far from being an obstacle for adherents, the religious dimensions of transhumanism lend it considerable strength; it is when cloaked in the religious aura of transhumanism that adherents have their greatest opportunities.

Robert Geraci studies the power of religion in contemporary culture, particularly with regard to the interaction between religion and technology. Other interests include the history of science, anthropology of science, contemporary art, literature, Christian history, and economics. His past research focused upon the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and religion (primarily the Singularity, mind uploading, & sentient machines, but also Shinto and Buddhist ideas as they relate to the development of Japanese robotics). He is the author of Apocalyptic AI: Visions of Heaven in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality.